Home / Environment / Rare Bunting Sighting Stuns Delhi Birders
Rare Bunting Sighting Stuns Delhi Birders
29 Nov
Summary
- A rare rustic bunting was spotted for the first time in Delhi NCR.
- Birders confirmed the sighting after observing the bird for 30 minutes.
- This sighting highlights the importance of conserving urban green spaces.
A rare rustic bunting has been sighted for the first time in the National Capital Region (NCR) at Najafgarh Jheel, exciting birdwatchers. Local guide Ram Kumar Rawat first noticed the distinctive bird and, with colleagues, confirmed it as a rustic bunting after careful observation. This species typically breeds in northern Palearctic regions and migrates to Southeast and East Asia, with infrequent sightings across India, primarily in the northeast and Himalayas.
Experts suggest unusual weather patterns may have caused the bunting to stray far south from its usual wintering grounds. This year has seen several avian species deviate from their typical migratory paths, including a hawfinch spotted in Jim Corbett. The rustic bunting's presence in Delhi is considered an extremely rare event, highlighting the importance of Najafgarh Jheel and other urban ecological networks.
The rustic bunting, identifiable by its dark head and reddish markings, was recently reclassified as 'near threatened' by the IUCN. Birdwatchers emphasize that such sightings in rapidly developing urban landscapes underscore the critical need to conserve city green spaces, which are vital for supporting these incredible migratory journeys.
